The Kite Runner

This week, I watched a great movie through my Netflix subscription. The Kite Runner is one of the best DVD's I've rented in a while. Set in Afghanistan, the movie follows the lives of 2 young boys who are childhood friends. One is a rich boy named Hassan, and the other is Hassan's family's servant boy, Ali.

Circumstances (including some really disturbing stuff, where the rise of the Taliban isn't even the worst) separate the boys for many years. Because of their wealth, Hassan and his family are able to get to America, where he becomes a writer.

On the day that his first published book arrives at his home, Hassan receives word that Ali has died, and that Ali's son needs someone to take care of him. This leads Hassan on a harrowing trip to Afghanistan. We see firsthand some of the atrocities of the Taliban. We also see Hassan's journey to redemption from the failures of his past.

This is a terriffic film. You really feel like you've been to Afghanistan. You see both the ugliness of evil, and the heroic power of selflessness. Definitely a must see.

By the way, you may have noticed that I'm maintaining a list of recently read books in the right side of this blog. I'll add a list of the top 5 movies and top 5 dvd's (in my humble opinion) of 2009. Hope you find it interesting!